Nation 2 Nation

SPIRITUAL ACCOUNTS by: Madeleine Kerzner 

Yom Kippur a day of Fasting and Repentance.

Isaiah 40:3-5 is a prophetic passage that speaks of a voice crying out in the wilderness, preparing the way for the Lord. This voice is calling for the creation of a highway, a straight path in the desert, for our God to come and dwell among us. The valleys will be lifted up, the mountains and hills will be leveled, and the crooked and rough places made straight and plain. This is a metaphor for preparing ourselves for the coming of the Lord, making a way for Him to come and dwell in our hearts. 

During the days of Awe between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, we have a unique opportunity to reflect on our lives and make things right with God and others. As Christians, we have been forgiven through Jesus Christ, and our names are written in the book of life. However, this does not mean that we are exempt from seeking forgiveness and making amends. 

Using the prayer that Jesus taught us as a guide, we can ask for forgiveness for our sins and forgive those who have sinned against us. We can also pray for guidance and strength to resist temptation and stay on the path that God has set for us. By doing this, we can create a straight path in our hearts and lives for God to come and dwell, and experience the glory of His presence as promised in Isaiah 40:5.

The ten days of Awe is a time of reflection and repentance that leads up to the day of Atonement. As Christians, we believe that Yeshua is our high priest who is continuously interceding for us, and that through His own blood, He has offered forgiveness for the sins of the world. Those who believe in Him are forgiven and their names are written in the eternal book of life. 

It is essential to use this time to examine ourselves, take account of our actions, and make amends for any wrongs we have done. We should not take advantage of God's grace, but rather acknowledge it and make a conscious effort to change our behavior. 

Isaiah 40 speaks of creating a highway for our God, where every valley shall be exalted, every mountain and hill made low, and the crooked places made straight. This is a metaphor for preparing ourselves for the coming of the Lord and making a way for Him to come and dwell in our hearts. 

As we approach the day of Atonement, let us remember to give thanks for the blood that forgives us and take the time to reflect on our lives, seek forgiveness, and make things right with God and others. Let us not take His grace for granted, but instead, use this time to draw closer to Him and prepare our hearts for His coming.